Wayne Bridge backs Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers to start in no.10 role for England at World Cup | OneFootball

Former Man City defender Wayne Bridge has backed Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers to start in the number 10 position for England at the World Cup this summer.

Rogers has been a key player for Villa under manager Unai Emery this term, registering 10 goals and seven assists from 44 appearances across all competitions.

The 23-year-old has not made regular goal contributions in recent weeks, but Bridge believes he is the favourite for the number 10 role under Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup.

He said in an interview with 10Bet: “Probably. If you look at the minutes he’s played under Tuchel, Rogers is probably one of the favourites in his mind at the moment.

“But the others – I know they’re going through a difficult spell and maybe haven’t played as much – yet we always say before a World Cup that players have played too many games or they’re tired.

“So that might actually work in England’s favour this time.

“As long as they can get back to playing the way they normally do, it’s totally different from playing in the Premier League when you go into an international setup with a completely new team.”

Rogers had a brilliant first half to the season with the Villans. He notched up seven goals and five assists, and played a big part in the Villans’ brilliant push for a potential league title.

However, his form has tailed off during the back end of the season. He has managed only five goal contributions in three months, a period that has coincided with Villa’s inconsistent results.

Despite this, the attacker is probably the best number 10 solution at the moment. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham has struggled for regular minutes due to injury concerns this campaign.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has largely scored from the penalty spot and has not been a major influence from open play. Meanwhile, Manchester City ace Phil Foden has been a regular late substitute over the last few months.

Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze seemed to be finding form before the international break, but he has now sustained a calf problem, which could put him out of action for four to six weeks.

Hence, Rogers appears an ideal fit for Tuchel in the number 10 role. Still, his form in the friendlies and the season run-in with Villa could determine whether he starts or not at the World Cup.